FROM: THE PERTH WILDCATS (NBL)
The Perth Wildcats have signed college star, Australian guard Hugh Greenwood to a three-year agreement.
The 23-year-old recently completed his college career with the University of New Mexico Lobos (UNM) – the former home of Australian basketball legend Luc Longley and current Australian Chicago Bull, Cameron Bairstow.
In his most recent season, Greenwood’s defensive efforts and sharp three-point shooting earned him the title of Lobos co-MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.
Statistically, he averaged 11.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks per game in 2014/15.
The Tasmanian, who stands at 190cm and weighs in at 92kg, has been touted as a future NBA player and recently completed a workout with the Utah Jazz – where his shooting and high basketball IQ impressed coaches.
Greenwood said the Wildcats coaching staff and elite facilities were an important factor when choosing where to play in 2015/16.
“The Perth Wildcats are just as good, if not better, than the University of New Mexico in terms of its professionalism, its facilities, its coaching staff and its fan base. The biggest thing for me was finding somewhere as good as UNM,” he said.
“Wildcats fans can expect to see a guy who’s going to come out and play hard. Perth is known for its defence and I’ll definitely bring that, but I’ll also bring a bit of versatility, I’m able to knock down shots, create plays, and make my teammates better.
“I’m looking forward to playing a pretty big role.”
Greenwood is chasing a spot on the Australian Boomers roster ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games, and he is no stranger to playing at an international level.
He represented Australia’s Under-19 side at the FIBA World Championships in 2011, earning himself a place in the All-Under-19s first team for the tournament.
He has also captained Australia’s Under-17s team.
In just his early 20s, Greenwood has already started a foundation raising awareness and over 65 thousand dollars for breast cancer research – called the Pink Pack.
His commitment to giving back to the community impressed Perth Wildcats managing director Nick Marvin.
“What we do at the Perth Wildcats and Perth Lynx goes beyond what happens on the basketball court, and it’s very refreshing to see a young man passionate about giving back and leaving a legacy,” said Marvin.
“We’re very much looking forward to Hugh arriving and seeing what kind of impact he can make in his rookie season.”
As an Australian college graduate, Hugh Greenwood is worth three points in the NBL’s player points cap system.
He is expected to arrive in Perth in July to commence preparation for the upcoming season.